Overview

• Germany has officially regained its Maul- und Klauenseuche (MKS)-free status, three months after the virus was detected in a water buffalo herd in Brandenburg.
• The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) approved the removal of quarantine zones, marking the full containment of the outbreak.
• Agricultural officials warn that outbreaks in Hungary, Slovakia, and Turkey pose ongoing risks of reintroduction via travel, imports, and animal transport.
• Travelers are urged to avoid bringing unprocessed dairy or meat products from affected regions and to minimize contact with livestock.
• The outbreak, Germany's first in over 35 years, caused significant economic losses, with officials emphasizing the importance of vigilance and biosecurity measures moving forward.